it would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy. it would slow down our growth, might tip us into recession, and ironically, would probably increase our deficit. so, to even entertain the idea of this happening, of the united states of america not paying its bills is irresponsible. it's absurd. as the speaker said two years ago, it would be, and i'm quoting speaker boehner now, "a financial disaster" not only for us but for the worldwide economy. so, we've got to pay our bills, and republicans in congress have two choices here. they can act responsibly and pay america's bills or they can act irresponsibly and put america through another economic crisis. but they will not collect a ransom in exchange for not crashing the american economy. the financial wellbeing of the american people is not leveraged to be used. the full faith and credit of the united states of america is not a bargaining chip. and they'd better choose quickly because time is running short. the last time republicans in congress even flirted with this idea, our aaa c